What are the current procedures and experiences for extending a visa at Chiang Mai Immigration?

May 22, 2020
4 years ago
John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Chiang Mai Immigration on 20 May was easy. Showed up with my paperwork from school to do my 90-day extension & notification.

1) Motorbike parking is across the street.

2) Must wear mask, get a temp check, and sticker. Setup seemed over the top but in reality it’s the safest setup I’ve seen.

3) A handful of English speaking volunteers on site. They are document checkers. A little helpful but not well versed in visas and rules.

4) You do NOT have to do your extension now as there is an amnesty until 31 July, but it’s suggested you do make your extensions as you would under normal circumstances.

Why?

Because no one knows what will happen after amnesty.

And in a best case scenario where it’s business as usual you will get to wait with hundreds of other people in line.

Remember the stories of people getting there at 4/5/6am for a number?

That’s not how I roll: I value speed and certainty.

I showed up at 2pm and was done in about 25 minutes. No interview with officer. Hand over your documents. Wait. Get your photo taken and pay. Wait. Get your passport back.

The volunteers were polite and cheerful. They’ll have fun with you. One suggested I just get married because I put money in the bank and come to immigration once a year. Easy he said.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
This post describes a recent experience at Chiang Mai Immigration for a 90-day visa extension. The author highlights the efficient procedure, the requirement for health checks, and the informal help from English-speaking volunteers. They note that while there's a temporary amnesty until the end of July, it’s advised to complete extensions to avoid future uncertainties and long wait times. The overall experience was streamlined and faster compared to previous long-standing lines.
John ****************
John, remember, every provincial Immigration office is like a FRANCHISE: my friend Mike in Naklua (Pattaya) is married to a THAI - 10 years already - and has had 400,000 Baht on deposit for his marriage VISAfor thoae same years - always does his 90 day reports - no problem - always does his renewals at same desk in Jomtien Soi 5 *** UNTIL thi past march *** This year they said he MUST put 800,000 in the bank.... Fortinately he had the e xtra in a different account. It is a criminal enterprise! Then, there is my story in KAN in Feb 2018!!!
John ****************
John, U R fortunate that has a TEAM of Thai IMM & FRalang volunteers working to make your experience there a positive one ! We had that here when I first moved here!!!!
Garrett ***********
Thanks for the update man.
Christophe **********
You also don't role with a real name, samurai expat
John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
It’s a real name.
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